2010 Maybach 62 Zeppelin

NEWS & REVIEWS The Maybach brand is bringing out the new Maybach Zeppelin to spearhead its luxury saloon model range. The new model, which is receiving its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, represents the absolute zenith in the high-end luxury saloon segment. This makes it a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin, which was revered worldwide as the ultimate in high-class automotive engineering in the 1930s. The hallmark features of the new Maybach flagship's unique sense of style include a stunning paint finish, featuring a shoulderline in a contrasting colour, as well as the exquisite, meticulously crafted materials in the interior, whose long list of optional extras includes a world first – a highly sophisticated perfume atomiser. In a nutshell: the Maybach Zeppelin epitomises stylish elegance and the art of vehicle manufacture at its most refined as no car has ever done before. The new Maybach Zeppelin is being built in a limited edition of just 100 worldwide. The Maybach 57 S and the long-wheelbase version, the 62 S, serve as the technical basis for the new range-topping model. Supreme performance is assured in both cases by the 6.0 litre V12 biturbo power unit under the bonnet, which now delivers 471 kW/640 hp (+ 28 hp) and a peak torque of 1000 Newton metres. From the outside, the luxury brand's new top-of-the-range model can be recognised by its two-tone special paint finish. The shoulderline is painted right through to the background of the headlamp assemblies in Rocky Mountains light brown, which forms a stylish and scintillating contrast to the Taiga black finish used for the rest of the vehicle body. Dark red tail light units and a fine vertical partition in the tailpipe add striking visual touches at the rear. The Maybach Zeppelin's newly designed 20-inch wheels in a Chrome Shadow finish complete the picture. The curving "ZEPPELIN" lettering that appears below the distinctive double "M" emblem on the radiator grille and on the boot lid instantly gives away the elite status of the new Maybach Zeppelin. The precisely crafted contrasting topstitching in the dashboard and on the doors reinforces the Maybach Zeppelin's sense of dynamism. The unusual diamond quilting pattern on the seat cushions and backrests together with the black piping gives the opulently styled seats a character all of their own. The occupants' feet rest on genuine lambskin carpeting. The limited-edition special models bear a number of discreet identifying markings in the interior too. The centre console in the front, the partition screen that is available as an option for the Maybach Zeppelin 62, plus the silver champagne flutes included as standard are all marked with the lettering "MAYBACH ZEPPELIN", while the door sill panels as well as the key ring are engraved with the word "ZEPPELIN". Customers are also able to opt for an especially refined equipment detail that is exclusive to the Maybach Zeppelin – an imaginatively designed, extremely high-quality perfume atomiser, the only one of its kind in the world. The system comes supplied with two select fragrances, which have been exclusively developed for the Maybach by a renowned perfumer from global specialist Givaudan: one light and refreshing, the other slightly heavier and woodier. Maybach Zeppelin owners can also use other fragrances, or even have one specially developed and enjoy the luxury of immersing themselves in their very own, personally designed aroma. The Maybach 57 Zeppelin costs €406,000, the Maybach 62 Zeppelin has a price tag of €473,200 (German list price, excl. VAT). The perfume atomiser that is exclusive to the Zeppelin can be ordered for an extra €3950 (German list price, excl. VAT). The new Maybach Zeppelin goes on sale on 3 March 2009, with the first models expected to be delivered to customers in September 2009. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Maybach 62 S

NEWS & REVIEWS When it comes to the world’s ritziest sedans, buyers, it seems, aren’t too bothered about subtlety. Hence the mile-long waiting list for a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and no waiting list at all for a Mercedes-Benz Maybach. Seems if you have it, you flaunt it. Despite hopes of off-loading 1,000 Maybachs a year, 2007 saw only 400 leave the factory. And 2008 is going to be worse. The problem is that this über-luxury liner looks just too much like a stretched S-Class. Which is a pity, because once you step inside, you’re entering a world of total decadence and indulgence. The reclining, leg-raising rear seats of the long-wheelbase Maybach 62, for example, are as comfy and cosseting as any you’ll find in a private jet. As for the quality of the craftsmanship: the look, touch, and feel of its furnishings simply defies comparison. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Maybach 62

NEWS & REVIEWS When it comes to the world’s ritziest sedans, buyers, it seems, aren’t too bothered about subtlety. Hence the mile-long waiting list for a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and no waiting list at all for a Mercedes-Benz Maybach. Seems if you have it, you flaunt it. Despite hopes of off-loading 1,000 Maybachs a year, 2007 saw only 400 leave the factory. And 2008 is going to be worse. The problem is that this über-luxury liner looks just too much like a stretched S-Class. Which is a pity, because once you step inside, you’re entering a world of total decadence and indulgence. The reclining, leg-raising rear seats of the long-wheelbase Maybach 62, for example, are as comfy and cosseting as any you’ll find in a private jet. As for the quality of the craftsmanship: the look, touch, and feel of its furnishings simply defies comparison. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Maybach 57 S

NEWS & REVIEWS When it comes to the world’s ritziest sedans, buyers, it seems, aren’t too bothered about subtlety. Hence the mile-long waiting list for a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and no waiting list at all for a Mercedes-Benz Maybach. Seems if you have it, you flaunt it. Despite hopes of off-loading 1,000 Maybachs a year, 2007 saw only 400 leave the factory. And 2008 is going to be worse. The problem is that this über-luxury liner looks just too much like a stretched S-Class. Which is a pity, because once you step inside, you’re entering a world of total decadence and indulgence. The reclining, leg-raising rear seats of the long-wheelbase Maybach 62, for example, are as comfy and cosseting as any you’ll find in a private jet. As for the quality of the craftsmanship: the look, touch, and feel of its furnishings simply defies comparison. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Maybach 57

NEWS & REVIEWS When it comes to the world’s ritziest sedans, buyers, it seems, aren’t too bothered about subtlety. Hence the mile-long waiting list for a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and no waiting list at all for a Mercedes-Benz Maybach. Seems if you have it, you flaunt it. Despite hopes of off-loading 1,000 Maybachs a year, 2007 saw only 400 leave the factory. And 2008 is going to be worse. The problem is that this über-luxury liner looks just too much like a stretched S-Class. Which is a pity, because once you step inside, you’re entering a world of total decadence and indulgence. The reclining, leg-raising rear seats of the long-wheelbase Maybach 62, for example, are as comfy and cosseting as any you’ll find in a private jet. As for the quality of the craftsmanship: the look, touch, and feel of its furnishings simply defies comparison. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Maybach Landaulet

NEWS & REVIEWS Background: The whole idea of an open-air, rear compartment is not a new one. A landaulet, as they became known, grew to be popular in the 1920s due to their desirable design. Typically a landaulet is a vehicle that has a fixed hard-top roof from the A-pillar to the B-pillar and then a retractable soft-top from the B-pillar to the rear. The Maybach Landaulet utilizes this same half-convertible feature by combining it with the base of a Maybach 62S. Performance: Power will come from the same engine found in the 62S. Beyond maybe a few extra pounds being tacked on, the Maybach Landaulet should have similar performance; We expect sixty to hit in the same stellar 5.1 seconds that it takes the 62S. Exterior: Taking a blow torch to the top of a 62S will produce a similar, though more rough looking, Landaulet. Exterior changes are minimal. Interior: Upgrades to the Landaulet’s interior have been added to bring even more luxury to the already opulent ride. Maybach has decided to split the front and rear cabins into two different colors. The chauffeured section will be draped in black, while the rear-passenger compartment will be composed mostly of white except for the few black and gold pieces of trim. Market Impact: Word is only 20 will be built, which means the Landaulet will sell like IHOP pancakes at 10 am on Sunday. However, We thought the purpose of a Maybach, with all its curtains and sound deadening material, was to cuddle and isolate its owner from the outside world while they completed some business or relaxed. Which begs the question: Why would anyone buy the Landaulet? So the Paparazzi have an easier time photographing the celebrities they hound? Beyond the whole chauffeured ride, the Landalet doesn’t bring anything to the table you can’t find in a Sporty GT convertible. If you want a luxury limo, buy the Maybach 62S; if you want the wind in your hair, buy a Ferrari GT convertible and you get the tailpipe music to boot. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Maybach 62 S

NEWS & REVIEWS You could be looking at the car that answers the question that no one—well, maybe some oil-rich tycoon—ever asked. The question: Can I get some more power for my 543-hp Maybach 62? And in Maybach land, there’s naturally only one answer: “Ja, mein Herr!” So welcome to the Maybach 62 S, where the “S” stands for Spezial, and the horsepower goes through the roof. Essentially they’ve just taken the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 from the shorter-wheelbase Maybach 57 S and dropped it into the stretched 62. It gives a power hike from 543-hp to 604-hp and, more importantly, a boost in torque to a massive 738 lb-ft. Oceangoing tugboats don’t have this much muscle. It means you can now blast away from the paparazzi with ease, launching from standstill to 60 mph in a mere five seconds. That’s amazing when you consider this thing weighs almost 6,500 pounds. You’ll pay a staggering $428,750 for the 20-foot-long über sedan. But when a Gulfstream G550 biz jet starts at $46 million, a 62 S looks like loose change. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2007 Maybach 62S

NEWS & REVIEWS PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2007 Maybach 57 S

NEWS & REVIEWS There’s no truth in the rumor that the front grille of the $360,000 Maybach 57 S was modeled off Darth Vader’s helmet. But it does look an awful lot like it. But then this latest version of Daimler-Chrysler’s wündercar could itself double as Lord Vader’s Executor battleship. Particularly painted in a menacing shade of black—one of only two colors available. The new S certainly has the power to blast out of the Earth’s atmosphere. Packing an almighty 604 bhp and Peterbilt-like 738 lb-ft of torque, this 5,852-pound leviathan can lunge to 60 mph in less than five seconds and not quit until it’s burning up the autobahn at a rock-steady 171 mph. Stiffer suspension and a lower ride height increase the car’s sporty feel, while the car’s 20-inch rubberware at each corner grips like a case of Fixodent. Inside, there’s a questionable choice of off-white leather seats with black piping, or black leather with white. Either way, Diddy will love it. May the Force be with you. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2006 Maybach 57 S

NEWS & REVIEWS For those discerning buyers who feel the regular, $325-grand Maybach isn’t quite special enough, there’s a new S-for-special version for ’06. The 57S comes with an AMG-tuned 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 that churns out a massive 604 bhp (a 61-hp increase) and an even more-awe-some 738 lb-ft of torque. It’s essentially the same motor used in the fiery CL65, SL65, and S65 mod-els. And as a measure of its muscle, the 6.0-liter can propel this 5,852-pound leviathan from rest to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds. And unlike the regular 57, which is restricted to 155 miles per hour, the S can run free to more than 170 miles per hour. Stiffer suspension and a lower ride height increase the car’s sporty feel, while new 20-inch rubberware at each corner enhances the grip. Owners can boast to the world of their new acquisition through the 57S’s new grille, revised headlamps, new tailpipes, and very discreet S badging. But if you’re not a fan of black or silver—the only two colors avail-able—you’ll need to take it round to Earl Scheib for a respray. Inside, there’s a questionable choice of off-white leather seats with black piping, or black leather with white piping. Either way, P. Diddy, with or with-out the P., will love it. There’s no word on pricing yet, but expect something in the region of $360,000. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge